CLAREMONT — An online campaign has already raised more than $3,500 for the family of a man injured in a tree trimming accident on Saturday.

Adam Barton was trimming trees at his Claremont home Saturday when a tree limb fell, hit him and caused a serious head injury. He was taken to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon where he underwent surgery.

Barton is the director of Claremont Christian Academy.

He and his wife Melanie Barton have three children and are expecting their fourth child.

“No one really knew how bad things were till hours later when he had to go into surgery,” said friend Billy Blanchard of Claremont Tuesday.

Blanchard’s two eldest sons attend the academy.

“He just does a fantastic job. Not just on curriculum, on character too,” Blanchard said. “He’s an awesome guy, and this is a horrible tragedy that I can’t even begin to imagine.”

Blanchard started a GoFundMe.com account under “Adam Barton Family Fund” to raise money for the family.

As an emergency room nurse, Blanchard said he knows well the financial strain on families during a medical crisis.

“Whether it’s childcare or gas money,” Blanchard said.

The money raised will be given to Melanie Barton to help her pay whatever expenses she has, he said. “If it lessens one more burden for her, perfect.”

A planned school concert continued Saturday night, and afterward the school community came together in prayer for Barton.

On Tuesday, Blanchard said Barton is still in a medically induced coma, but was responding to pain stimuli applied to his legs.

“After a traumatic brain injury you want to make sure everything is still working,” Blanchard said. “He was responsive to that, and they need to keep him sedated for a few more days.”

Blanchard said the Claremont Christian Academy community is asking for prayers.